Author:

Keywords:

Mobile Health, postpartum, Internet Use, IT-user-experience

Abstract:

Introduction The Internet is widely used by new mothers as an important source of health information and communication. Internet and mobile technologies offer new opportunities to convey postnatal health promotion. As part of a larger project aiming to develop a digital postnatal tool for new parents, the objective of this study was to investigate the current Internet use and access, needs and expectations on digital information and communication of women during the postpartum. Materials and Methods An explorative and descriptive study was performed using an online survey on IT-user-experience, general and postpartum-specific Internet use and interest in an Internet-based platform. Women at ≤12 weeks postpartum were recruited via the maternity ward of regional hospitals, flyers and social media. Descriptive statistics were applied. Results All women have access to Internet via computer/smartphone. The majority (81%) consulted frequently health related websites, 80% used apps, 51% reported no use of health-apps. Text messages, e-mail and social media were most commonly used for daily online communication. Most women (94%) searched for postpartum information on health of the baby (76%) and herself (51%), breastfeeding (64%), administrative issues (76%) and emotions (28%). Main sources of information were websites (80%), obstetricians (58%), friends (57%), ‘Child and Family’ (52%) and midwives (47%). Main reasons for interest in an Internet-based platform were data exchange with caregivers, ask questions and receive additional individualized information via online folder. Conclusions This study provided particular areas for development of a mobile application based on IT-user-experience and Internet use, more specifically insight was gained into specific interest for an Internet-based platform in early motherhood. Healthcare professionals should give women links to high-quality information sites and take the opportunity to discuss web-based health promotion with new mothers.